Chapter 29 — I can’t lose this love
Nevaeh:
I cling to Azazel as I helplessly watch the Council’s men take Mikhail away. My eyes blur with tears as I watch the holding van disappear in the distance. Azazel holds me tighter and makes soothing sounds in hopes of assuaging my tears. But there’s nothing that can make take away my despair other than having Mikhail back in my arms.
“It’s alright, luv. I promise. We’ll find a way to save him. Please, just stop crying. It makes me feel like a right foul git when you cry. I’m sure that Mikhail would not be happy to know that you’ve given up on him.”
His words pierce my sadness. He’s right. Mikhail would not be happy to know that I’ve broken down like a coward. If only for my own sanity, I have to believe that he’ll make it out of this situation unscathed. I swallow down my tears as I try to gain control of my emotions. I need to be strong for Mikhail.
Azazel wipes my sodden cheeks and turns to face Alex, who has been standing there, silently observing our exchange. “I thought you were Mikhail’s mate?” Alex asks. He’s not angry, but he’s also not happy about what he just learned. I guess that I can’t blame him, considering that we never told him about the mark.
Thankfully, Azazel answers for us. “She is, but Mikhail asked me to mark her. He was worried that the council would come after them if they found out Nevaeh was his true mate. I guess he was right.”
Alex nods his head in agreement. I mean, there’s no way he can deny it, considering what just occurred.
“What are we going to do about saving Mikhail?” Alex asks.
Azazel takes a deep breath, his eyes focused ahead in thought as he considers what to do next. “I spoke to my contact while I was in your office. He found some information that might help. He said he'd meet us at the council building with what he has found, so we’d better go.”
I reach for my bag, but Azazel stops me. “No, Nevaeh, I don’t want you anywhere near the buggering council in case everything goes to hell.”
I shake my head adamantly. I can’t believe he’s asking me to stay behind while he and Alex go out to save Mikhail. “What am I supposed to do, Azazel? I can’t just sit here and twiddle my thumbs.”
Alex steps forward and places a hand on my shoulder. “Look, Nevaeh, you have no idea what the council is capable of. What you saw earlier was a very tame version of what they can do. Please, think of Mikhail.”
A sigh of resignation escapes my lips. “Fine,” I mumbled reluctantly.
Alex gives me a grim smile. He knows how difficult it is for me to remain behind, considering how much I love Mikhail.
“Alright, Nevaeh. How about you stay here and tell the boys what happened as soon as they get it. We’ll call you as soon as everything is settled.”
Unable to talk around the constriction in my throat, I nod my head. “Take care of Mikhail, Azazel; I don’t think I can live with myself if something were to happen to him.”
Azazel brushes his thumb down my cheek before he follows Alex out of the door. “I’ll take care of him, luv. I will do whatever I can to save him.”
Chest tight, I watch as the door closes behind them.
The house seems eerily quiet without its owners. Almost sad. Not knowing what to do, I take a seat in the living room and turn on the television. Every few minutes, I look at my cell phone, but it remains silent. I almost have a heart attack when it dings a moment later. Palms sweating, I look at the screen. To my disappointment, it’s a message from Jez.
Hey girl, I thought we could hang out tonight. I’m at your place right now, and my phone is dying, so get your ass over here.
At first, I think about telling her I can’t do anything tonight, but I quickly change my mind. I need to get out of this house, or I’m going to go crazy waiting for Alex and Azazel to call. I figure she and I can hang out and watch TV until I hear any news.
I’ll be there in a minute. I text back.
Maybe, sitting with Jez for a few minutes will also help calm my nerves. Before I go, I leave the boys a note, grab my things, and walk home. It’s eerily quiet outside. There’s not a soul in sight. The night breeze flutters, making the leaves rustle. The sounds of crickets chirping create an ominous environment as I make my way down the empty sidewalk. My Jeep is parked in the driveway, and the lights inside my house are lit. The front door is cracked open, but I don’t give it a second thought. Whenever Jez comes over, she doesn’t hesitate to make herself at home. It’s only when I get inside that I realize my mistake. Unfortunately, it’s too late to go back.